Iran starts nuclear work in mountain bunker

Diplomatic sources say uranium enrichment to a fissile purity of 20 percent has begun at Fordow.

VIENNA - Iran has started refining uranium deep inside a mountain, diplomatic sources said on Monday, a move likely to exacerbate a dispute with Western powers that suspect Tehran is seeking a nuclear weapons capability.

"Yes, they have," one Vienna-based diplomat said in response to a question on whether the operations had begun.

Iran has said for months that it is preparing to move its highest-grade uranium refinement work to Fordow from its main enrichment plant at Natanz, and sharply boost capacity. Enriched uranium can have both civilian and military uses.

A decision by the Islamic Republic to conduct sensitive atomic
activities at the underground site - offering better protection against
any enemy attacks - could complicate diplomatic efforts to resolve the
long-running row peacefully.

Iran's mission to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the
Vienna-based UN nuclear watchdog, was not immediately available for
comment.

On Sunday, an Iranian newspaper quoted the head of Iran's Atomic Energy
Organization as saying Iran would in the "near future" start enriching
uranium at Fordow.

The United States and its allies say Iran is trying to develop the means
to make atomic bombs, but Tehran insists its nuclear program is aimed
at generating electricity and isotopes for medical treatment.